Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Project Breakaway” Ships

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line has two new freestyle cruise ships in the works. Scheduled for delivery in 2013 and 2014, these 144,017 gross registered ton ships accommodating 4,000 guests, called “Project Breakaway,” will incorporate the best of their current fleet.

What’s involved in “Project Breakaway” – a First Look

Norwegian Cruise Line has launched 10 new ships over the past ten years, starting with the Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star in 2001, and ending with the debut of the much awaited Norwegian Epic in 2010. They’re taking the “best of the best” of these ships and incorporating those unique features and successes into a new design for their new “Project Breakaway” ships.

Their goal? They want to offer opportunities for their guests to  “break away” from daily stress, the routines of work, jobs, or school and be able to enjoy more of “a true respite at sea.”  Right now Norwegian Cruise Line is in the process of releasing an initial first look at these ships, with more to come.

“Project Breakaway” Staterooms

 According to Kevin Sheehan, Chief Executive Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line, “The overall design theme for Project Breakaway’s staterooms is modern boutique hotel meets the sea.” Project Breakaway staterooms will combine the best of their Jewel class ships as far as form and functionality, with the contemporary, modern design that Norwegian Epic’s staterooms are well known for.   Norwegian Cruise Line has commissioned Priestmangoode, a design firm from the United Kingdom, who will be working with Tillberg Design of Sweden to create the Project Breakaway staterooms.  Priestmangoode, by the way, has won awards and accolades for designing Norwegian Epic’s trendsetting studio cabins for solo travelers.

Balcony Staterooms and Mini-Suites

Each “Project Breakaway” ship will have 238 mini-suites and 1,024 balcony staterooms.  Balcony staterooms feature a  king size bed that can be separated, a lighted recess above the bed to hold tablet computers, electronic reading devises, magazines or books,  and a sofa bed that provides additional storage. The 26 inch flat screen television mounted on the wall can be easily seen from the bed or sofa.  Besides the full size closet, the built in vanity area provides more storage. Energy efficient touches include the key card access to control lighting in the room.

As far as the mini-suites, they will be an even roomier version of the balcony staterooms. Mini-suite bathrooms will feature a modern, large double sink along with an oversized, spa-like shower, complete with multiple body spray jets, and separate handheld shower head.

What’s Next?

Norwegian Cruise Line will be releasing more details about “Project Breakaway’ over the next few months, and they will be opening up reservations for their first “Project Breakaway” ship this October.  I’ll make sure I keep you posted on more exciting developments as they evolve.

Royal Caribbean Goes Beyond Enhancements – Royal Advantage

Today’s cruise industry is not just about new ships. We’re also seeing a concentrated effort when it comes to renovating existing ships within cruise lines’ fleets. One of the best examples is Royal Caribbean International’s Royal Advantage initiative. It’s a way to add some of their “Oasis-class” ship innovations to other ships in their fleet.

What is the Royal Advantage Program?

The Royal Advantage program involves over a $70 million investments to add enhancements on five of Royal Caribbean International’s existing ships – Liberty of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, and Splendor of the Seas. Already innovative ships, these enhancements are expanding cruise guests experiences in new ways.  These range from entertainment options, new dining concepts and children’s programming to technology enhancements.

Updates on the Five Ships

Oasis of the Seas was the first to be newly enhanced with the Royal Advantage features; she now includes the DreamWorks® Experience which first debuted on Allure of the Seas. This includes DreamWorks characters featured in parades as well as character breakfasts, which are complimentary, but just require reservations. Another entertainment addition was the 3D movie theater.

Liberty of the Seas underwent the Royal Advantage upgrades in January of this year, while Freedom of the Seas went through the upgrades in March. New  entertainment includes  the DreamWorks® Experience (complete with those memorable character moments), a new outdoor poolside movie screen and a 3D theater featuring first-run movies, as well as now offering the Broadway hit, Saturday Night Fever: The Musical. There are also some new dining and shopping options including The Cupcake Cupboard where guests can enjoy the frosted sweets. Some new technology includes enhanced Wi-Fi throughout the ships and interactive, in-stateroom televisions.

Radiance of the Seas’ Royal Advantage enhancements were recently completed and she has new specialty restaurants including Samba Grille Brazilian Steakhouse, the Italian Giovanni’s Table, Park Café deli-style restaurant, the Mexican themed Rita’s Cantina, and the Chef’s Table dining experience. Once again, the new outdoor poolside movie screen was added for more entertainment experiences and she also has the enhanced Wi-Fi throughout the ship, and interactive, in-stateroom flatscreen televisions.

Splendour of the Seas will undergo the Royal Advantage enhancements by fall this year, and new dining experiences will include the Park Café, the Chef’s Table dining experience along with Samba Grille. The outdoor poolside movie screen is also being added. Splendour of the Seas is also getting some new stateroom enhancements – more than a 100 balcony staterooms will be added, for instance.  And once again, flatscreen televisions will be another enhanced technology feature along with the Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

Across the board, all five ships feature or will feature Royal Caribbean International’s new Royal Babies and Tots Nursery. This nursery care program is designed for infants and toddlers from 6 months to 3 years old, staffed and supervised by nannies and counselors who have degrees and also trained in CPR. Partners Fisher Price and Crayola developed these playgroups and activities exclusively for Royal Caribbean International.

The Why’s behind the Royal Advantage Program

Always known for innovation, Royal Caribbean International is always upgrading its existing fleet, and provides more options for guests to consider.  When they introduce something new and  innovative on one of their ships and sees it’s been a hit with their guests, they work to incorporate it on their other ships. The best part? This gives cruise guests more options.

Crystal Cruises’ “You Care, We Care” Voluntourism

What exactly is “Voluntourism”? Think of it as a combination of volunteering while also taking a shore excursion. Many cruise lines now offer a few shore excursions that also involve volunteering. But a key leader is Crystal Cruises, who introduced their “You Care, We Care” voluntourism program in January 2011 as a part of their Crystal Adventures Shore Excursion Programs.

“You Care, We Care” – specially designed, complimentary shore excursions

“You Care, We Care” is a hands-on opportunity for guests (as well as crew) to aid communities in need via a specially designed shore excursion. For every cruise Crystal Cruises is offering in 2011, they are opportunities to engage in these “You Care, We Care” excursions. Another unique  feature? The “You Care, We Care” excursions are totally free for Crystal Cruise guests to participate in. Crystal Cruises sets up all the arrangements including transportation, and this program is a way for travelers to give back while also creating more cross-cultural understanding as well as the local economies.

Voluntourism opportunities

Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity offer voyages sailing through Alaska, Hawaii, Africa and the Pacific Coast, providing a wide range of “You Care, We Care” complimentary shore excursions.  These range from helping with garden revitalization to building restoration and recreational activities at villages and orphanages. This year, for instance, “You Care, We Care” volunteers bonded with young burn victims at Lima, Peru’s Anquiem Burn Rehabilitation Center over card games, arts and crafts and a musical “jam session.”  In Durban, South Africa, the “You Care, We Care” excursion provides support activities at an underprivileged children’s village, the SOS Children’s Village. And in Sri Lanka, Crystal Cruises has partnered with Sarvodaya, a charitable organization, and a water related building project. Another involves the Antigua Donkey Sanctuary, where volunteers can lend a hand caring for the animals.

“You Care, We Care” excursions in Alaska –Sitka Sound Science Center

With 9 cruises sailing to Sitka, Alaska  this year, Crystal Cruises has a big project going on there until the end of August. Guests and crew have the opportunity to work on the rehabilitation of Sitka Sound Science Center. This salmon hatchery education and research facility’s mission is to help the fragile eco-system of the Gulf of Alaska. Because this is a nonprofit organization in a very small town, they appreciate the help. So far guests and crews in this excursion have planted a native garden, cleaned out 900 pounds of weeds, scrubbed salmon tanks, painted buildings and cleared out a bear hiding spot (which will help access for another project in the future involving an in-stream water diverter).  The goal by end of summer is to get the Sitka Sound Science Center “in top-top shape” so it can be around for years to come.

Impact beyond the “You Care, We Care” Excursions

Crystal Cruises notes that the feedback on these shore excursions has been phenomenal, and some guests are moved to do even more. After a Crystal Cruises guest, who is a dentist, had visited a barrio in Cartagena, Columbia as part of a “You Care, We Care” excursion, he went home and organized a group of dental professionals who returned to provide free dental work.

You Care, We Care” is a unique way for your group to give back, but also find rewarding, fulfilling and educational experiences in new ways as a part of their cruise.

The Magic Begins – Debut of Carnival Magic

When Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship Carnival Magic was christened earlier this May in Venice, she brought a new dimension to the Dream-class of ships. Expansive outdoor areas, a new pub, a new dining option, family friendly accommodations and the right mix of entertainment to create a terrific escape for all their guests, whether they be families with children to adults.

SportsSquare Provides New Industry Firsts

SportsSquare is  Carnival Magic’s recreational complex, featuring some never before seen recreational options. The cruise industry’s first ropes course provides thrill seekers with the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views while traversing across nets that are suspended above Spa Deck 12.  There’s also the first outdoor weightlifting area (another industry first) and  a two-level miniature golf course.

The RedFrog Pub – Beer Anyone?

A new concept for Carnival, this 100-seat indoor/outdoor pub provides a laid-back Caribbean feel with island inspired snacks along with drinks, including a private-label beer created and brewed especially for the Carnival Magic called ThirstyFrog Red.  RedFrog Pub also has tastings of the top-rated rums in the Caribbean as well as a wide collection of beers. It has a nautical-themed interior combined with a fun pub atmosphere – best described as “where the British West Indies meets Key West.”

WaterWorks Aqua Park

This expansive area includes the “Twister”  spiral water slide and resort style pool areas, along with the Aqua Play Splash Park, designed specifically for youngsters and their families. It includes some fun wet & wild adventures, including a gigantic “dump bucket,” the Power Drencher. This huge bucket dumps 300 gallons of water every 60 seconds onto eagerly waiting young passengers.

Dining – Cucina del Capitano

Carnival Cruise Lines has a rich Italian heritage, and all of the line’s Captains are Italian. Cucina del Capitano  (translated is “The Captain’s Kitchen”) provides a new family style dining option  featuring made-to-order Italian favorites.  Fresh from the oven Italian specialties,  along with handmade pastas and risotto are complimented by the wine list that includes Italian vintages. Another interesting touch? Many of the recipes and dishes served were hand-selected by Carnival’s Captains themselves. This cozy Italian home dining ambiance experience  is open for dinner with a nominal fee. During the day it is a casual made-to-order pasta bar, and all items are complimentary.

Entertainment

The Carnival Magic includes Punchliner Comedy Club, Superstar Live Karaoke (where guests can channel their inner rock star dreams) as well as dazzling production shows. Another addition is Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, complete with a 270 square foot LED screen and poolside seating. Guests can sit back and enjoy concerts, first run movies, and sporting events during evenings as well as during the day.

Itineraries

For her debut, the Carnival Magic is currently sailing on seven to 12 day Mediterranean cruises and then will sail on seven day Caribbean cruises departing from Galveston, Texas starting in November 2011.  So there are new options to sail on this “magical” ship, Carnival Magic, with enough to satisfy every cruise guest’s whims.

Antarctic Tourism Declines with Further Decrease Projected

With the formal end of the season in the Antarctic, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has released its final numbers for 2010-11. The total number of visitors to the region traveling with IAATO member-operators was 33,824. This includes those traveling on traditional expedition ships, yachts, larger cruise-only vessels as well visitors participating in land programs. The overall

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